With Group C also consisting of defending World Cup holders Germany and only one team guaranteed to qualify for the 2018 Finals tournament in Russia, it was imperative Michael O'Neill's men did not lose as his side realistically chase a runners-up play-off spot.

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And Brighton & Hove Albion's Oliver Norwood said afterwards: “It was always going to be tough, it's a tough place to come but it's a good start to the campaign for us – it's a good point.”

After the game, manager Michael O'Neill alluded to the fact there were many in his starting line-up who may have been lacking match sharpness due to not playing regularly with their club sides – something the midfielder did not refute.

Norwood himself has so far struggled to cement his place on the South Coast since his summer move from Reading and added: “Maybe the last 15 or 20 minutes we didn't get up the pitch enough as we would have liked to.”

For more post-match reaction from Oliver Norwood on the game, looking ahead to October's fixtures and style of play watch the video above.